Lots of Aulani questions from a Newb

[JoyG]

I'm not a Disboards newb, but in all my years here, this is the first time I've stepped foot in the DVC forums.

We found great airfare from the east coast and are planning a last minute vacation to Hawaii, mid Feb 2013. I've already rented a home on VRBO for our stay.

I would love visit Aulani for the day and for my boys to be able to use the pools and swim on the grounds. I do not care to use the pools and would be just fine watching them (or spending time in the spa).

1. Can we rent a room in the hotel for one day if we don't plan on spending the night, or even stepping foot in it at all? Can we exceed the occupancy requirements just to get 4 wristbands for the pools? I wouldn't need one if I'm not swimming.

2. The same questions goes for DVC, can we rent/book DVC if we don't plan on spending the night? Can I exceed occupancy requirements to get 4 wristbands? Can you even rent DVC for one day at a time?

3. Is it too late to begin trying to rent/borrow points for DVC? I'm noticing lots of threads that talk about 7 months out....still trying to wrap my brain around this DVC stuff.

 

[eva]

Pretty expensive for just spending a day at the pool. Renting points will cost at least $200 for a standard studio, depends on view and time of year. You will need to have the DVC member book at least at the 7 month mark. Also, they only give out wristbands for the people listed on the room. And you can not list more than the occupancy limit allows. So for a studio that would be 4 people. If you are looking at a 1-bedroom you can get in 5. But that will run $400 and up. You can try booking a room for cash directly with Aulani. But that will most likely cost you more than renting points.

 

[Pakey]

Just to be on the pool deck, you will need a wristband. So everyone will need a room key. They are quite deligent at checking too. We were there in September, a slow season, and they monitoried for wristbands constantly even for people just seated in the lounge chairs.

Although it's a nice resort, IMO, it's not worth the cost to try to get a room for a day just to use the pool.

 

[MELSMICE]

Joy, what airline are you flying out of Buffalo?

I'm in Buffalo also & am planning an Aulani trip with my brother's family next December 2013. We know the airfare will be very high, but are trying to get some different options together so when it comes out we can try to get the best rate possible.

TIA!

 

[JoyG]

Joy, what airline are you flying out of Buffalo?

I'm in Buffalo also & am planning an Aulani trip with my brother's family next December 2013. We know the airfare will be very high, but are trying to get some different options together so when it comes out we can try to get the best rate possible.

TIA!

We're actually not flying from Buffalo. We got non-stop flights from JFK on Hawaiian airlines for $496 per person after tax. If I had waited a week to book, the price went down to $435 (kicking myself!!). They had December, Jan, Feb dates for that price.

 

[dsneygirl]

Joy, what airline are you flying out of Buffalo?

I'm in Buffalo also & am planning an Aulani trip with my brother's family next December 2013. We know the airfare will be very high, but are trying to get some different options together so when it comes out we can try to get the best rate possible.

TIA!

Not from Buffalo but Ontario but we flew from Buffalo when we went to Aulani in June. We took SW to San diego and then United to Honolulu. We stayed in Cali for 4 days before and 4 days after Hawaii to split up the trip.

We're actually not flying from Buffalo. We got non-stop flights from JFK on Hawaiian airlines for $496 per person after tax. If I had waited a week to book, the price went down to $435 (kicking myself!!). They had December, Jan, Feb dates for that price.

Wow what an amazing pice!

 

[Carrie in AZ]

Well, I think booking for one night is definitely worth it because you will have actually two days to use the pools and chairs at the lagoon, the day you vheck in and the day you check out. You could even book a night where they might hold the Starlit Hui which is like a lua without food. Heck, your kids could even go to Auntys Beach house while you and DH enjoy a quiet meal. It's your vacation, too, and Mom and Dad need a break!

I would say a couple hundred bucks is worth it all!

 

[MELSMICE]

We're actually not flying from Buffalo. We got non-stop flights from JFK on Hawaiian airlines for $496 per person after tax. If I had waited a week to book, the price went down to $435 (kicking myself!!). They had December, Jan, Feb dates for that price.

That is a great price.

Our plan is to get there around December 19/20 of next year. We had also thought about flying to Phoenix on SW & then getting a flight from Phoenix to Hawaii.

The tough part is that SW flights won't be out until after flights for Hawaii on the other airlines. My DH has looked at the flights from JFK and that is an option also.

There are 5 of us going but my older daughter is paying for her own airfare, but even so, 4 round trip tickets to Hawaii is going to quite the expense!